Guilford Man Gets Permission To Keep Golden Pheasants on Property

GUILFORD, CT - The Guilford Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a Special Permit for James Goodman for the keeping of up to 16 Golden Pheasant birds his property at 86 Middle Road.

The application was approved with the following conditions;

1. That no more than 16 birds are allowed.

2. That the cleanliness and operation of the aviary shall be conducted in accordance with Best Practice Management for the Keeping of Wild Fowl Aviaries and the Connecticut Public Health Code, Section 19-13-B1.

3. That the structures which are non-conforming regarding property line setbacks be removed or relocated

.4. That the Special Permit expires on October 1, 2028.

5. All remaining aviary structures must have shallow surface swales dug around their perimeters to intersect and prevent run-off water from entering the aviary and mixing with pheasant manure

6. The tarp coverings on all remaining aviaries must be extended beyond the aviary foot print so that the enclosed roosting area is kept dry and rain water does not mix with manure to become odiferous.

7. Any straw or mulch used as aviary bedding materials must be regularly raked up and replaced.All used mulch and straw must be composted or bagged and disposed.

8. Pheasant feed must be placed in feeding troughs and not dispensed on the ground.Spilled feed shall be cleaned-up regularly.

The commission approved the application after receiving this letter from Goodman:

“Dear Commissioners,
25 years ago, as newlyweds, my wife and I planned a move to Connecticut to start our new life together. We
were encouraged to explore this shoreline and, when driving from Branford to Guilford, saw a big sign that
said "Welcome to an agricultural community".

"We found countless businesses run by well-respected descendants of their founders; a school system with an impeccable reputation, and beautiful vistas, all nestled along a shoreline steeped in rich history and opportunity. We purchased property here that was surrounded by good neighborly people and less than 2 blocks from beautiful lakes bordering Timberlands preserve. Guilford became the place to raise our family with the values that we are passionate about, and these pheasants help us to attain that goal.

"All but one of my immediate neighbors have signed their support to keeping these pheasants on my
property, and that neighbor has told Town Officials he doesn't oppose the birds. Everybody that has visited
my property will confirm my desires to have aviaries that are in compliance, exceed Best husbandry
practices, welcome suggestions, address any concerns, and continue to share our pheasants with this
community.

"Our Town Officials will confirm that I have treated them with respect, acted in a timely manner, and
followed their suggestions. My efforts have my property in full compliance with the exception of my
aviaries, awaiting your decision.

"Thank you all very much for your time, consideration, and dedication to making the right decisions for
Guilford."

PZC Chairman Phillip Johnson had this to say about the application:

"I have given considerable thought to the circumstances which bring you before the Commission seeking a special permit.

"As a commission I believe we we are keenly aware of the concerns presented by neighbors. We all deserve to
live in the peaceful enjoyment of our homes. While you have the support of several neighbors you also have
objections from abutters.

"Had you come to Town Hall South and consulted with the Building Department about the permissability of
keeping Golden Pheasants, I am sure they would have advised you that this practice would not be allowed
without a special permit. Obviously 20/20 hindsight is perfect and I am sympathetic to the fact that these
birds are your family pets which you have hatched and raised.

"I am less concerned about the Bio-impact of the waste from these animals as I suspect in sum, their
biological impact is less than that of two Canadian Geese and we sure have a lot of those.
In cases like this, we are guided by the recommendation of the Agricultural Commission. They have
suggested that, based on the size of your lot, that 16 birds would be their recommendation. I would support
that recommendation of limiting the number of birds to 16 with one additional condition. You indicated that
birds can live 8-10 years. I would encourage the commissions to support the granting of a special
permit limiting the number to 16, subject to the aviaries being brought into zoning compliance, and that this
special permit will expire in 10 years.

"If you would like to continue keeping birds after that time you would need to come back to the Planning and
Zoning Commission and seek a new Special Permit."

Respectfully submitted Philip Johnson PZC Chairman